Meet Draya, age 4, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Dryanna, or Draya, was born prematurely at 24 weeks, weighing just over one pound. She was transferred to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where she received very special care.

Draya was born with a heart condition that caused abnormal blood flow between two of the major arteries of the heart. She also had abnormal blood vessels growing in the retina of her eyes—a common condition occurring in premature babies. Because Draya’s airway was 90 percent closed, she received a tracheostomy to support her breathing and a feeding tube was inserted in her stomach to help her get the proper nutrients to grow.

Soon, Draya was discharged and the Manriquez family was able to receive homecare nursing support, which has really helped their family understand Draya’s special care, growth and development. Now three years-old, Draya continues to utilize her feeding pump and will soon no longer need breathing assistance!

Medicaid was essential to Draya’s survival and helped cover the many expenses associated with her complex medical care, including her stay in the NICU and home nursing support. Medicaid continues to help cover the cost of Draya’s medical equipment and ensures she has access to the pediatric specialists who help her thrive!